11/9 - The Sign

 The story of Jonah is one of the most human stories in all of Scripture. It is the story of running away, being swallowed by fear, finding grace in the depths, and being called again to follow God’s leading. By the time we reach Jonah chapter 3, Jonah has already lived through a storm and a sea creature, both of which became classrooms for his faith. Now, after being given a second chance, Jonah finally goes where God calls him. What follows is a powerful picture of repentance, mercy, and transformation—not only for Jonah, but for an entire city.

This week’s worship service traces that same spiritual journey. We begin with the hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory,” a bold and prayerful opening that asks for courage to face “the warring madness” and challenges of our day. It’s a fitting way to begin, because like Jonah, we are often called into places where courage and wisdom are essential. This hymn gives us a collective voice to ask God for strength to live faithfully, even when obedience feels uncomfortable or uncertain.

From that opening prayer for courage, worship moves inward through the choir’s anthem, “Even Here” by Mark A. Miller. The text draws from Jonah chapter 2—Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the fish—and reminds us that God’s presence is not limited by our location or our failures. “Even when the way goes through death’s dark vale,” the anthem says, “I will not fear, for you are with me—even here.” It’s a tender, honest confession that even in life’s most difficult or isolating places, God remains steadfast. For many of us, this song is the heart of the service: the reminder that grace meets us exactly where we are.

The sermon, “The Sign,” then turns our attention to what happens when Jonah finally follows God’s command. The people of Nineveh respond with repentance, and God responds with compassion. When Jesus later calls Jonah “a sign,” he’s not referring to the fish at all. The true sign is transformation—the miracle of hearts turned toward God and of grace that refuses to quit. The same God who gave Jonah a second chance extends that same mercy to us.

Finally, worship rises into awe with “God of Wonders.” After the storm, after the struggle, after the mercy, we lift our eyes to the heavens and remember who God is: Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. The song’s expansive language—“Lord of all creation, of water, earth, and sky”—reminds us that the God who commands the seas is also the God who knows us by name. It’s a fitting conclusion to a service that begins with courage, passes through grace, and ends in wonder.

As we gather this Sunday, may we see the signs of God’s grace all around us—in the songs we sing, the prayers we offer, and the lives we live. And may we remember that, like Jonah, we are often called not to be the miracle, but to carry the message of mercy that transforms the world.

Music Tom